Ireland are desperate to carry their momentum and remain in the race for the Super 8s during the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The Lorcan Tucker-led side will take on Zimbabwe in a Group B encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, February 17.
However, Zimbabwe reached Pallekele after defeating Australia by 23 runs. Both teams have been forced to make changes due to injuries to senior players towards the end of the tournament. They will field their best possible playing XI to keep their hopes alive for the next phase of this prestigious tournament.
This article contains key information on the probable playing XIs for Ireland and Zimbabwe in the upcoming encounter as well as team combinations and possible tactical moves.
Ireland playing eleven vs zimbabwe
Ireland’s batting was excellent in their previous match against Oman, where they scored a mammoth 235/4. Despite the absence of regular captain Paul Stirling, who is out with knee ligament damage, the top order performed strongly.
Openers: Ross Adair and Tim Tector
Ross Adair provides firepower at the top. In the last game, he scored 14 runs in 7 balls and hit three fours before getting out. Tim Tector provides stability at the other end, allowing Adair to play aggressively from the first ball.
Middle-order and all-rounders: Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (c/w), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell and Gareth Delaney.
Lorcan Tucker played a stormy inning of 94 runs in 51 balls against Oman. The middle order is full of depth all-round. Harry Tector provides technical solidity at No. 3, while Curtis Campher and George Dockrell provide vital overs and middle-order stability.
Gareth Delaney’s devastating 56 off 30 balls in the last match demonstrated the depth of Ireland’s power-hitting. Dockrell scored 35 runs in just nine balls, which included five sixes.
Bowlers: Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys and Joshua Little
Mark Adair has the ability to swing the new ball. Young Matthew Humphreys has been a revelation, taking 15 wickets in his last 10 matches at an impressive economy of 6.92.
Joshua Little’s left-arm pace remains the primary weapon against Zimbabwe’s right-arm heavy top order. Barry McCarthy provides the essential “hit-the-deck” option in the middle overs.
Ireland’s predicted XI: Ross Adair, Tim Tector, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (c/wk), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delaney, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Joshua Little.
Zimbabwe playing eleven vs ireland
Zimbabwe are full of confidence in Group B with four points. Their bowling unit, led by Blessing Muzarabani, has shown that it can dismantle even the most elite batting line-ups.
Openers: Brian Bennett and Tadivanashe Marumani (W)
Brian Bennett, who scored unbeaten 64 against Australia, has scored 342 runs in his last 10 matches. With Brendan Taylor out due to a hamstring injury, Tadivanashe Marumani provided solid support to Bennett. Both made a partnership of 61 runs for the first wicket.
Middle-order and all-rounders: Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (captain), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, and Tashinga Musekiwa.
Captain Sikandar Raza is a proven player in big matches, who has the ability to win matches with both bat and ball. Dion Myers provides stability at No. 3, while Ryan Burl’s leg-spin and explosive finishing make him a vital option in the middle overs.
Tony Munyonga and Tashinga Musekiwa add depth to the lower middle order with their clean hitting abilities.
Bowlers: Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer and Blessing Muzarabani.
Blessing Muzarabani bowled a match-winning spell of 4/17 against Australia. Brad Evans has taken 19 wickets in his last 10 matches at an impressive strike rate of just 12.
Experienced Graeme Cremer has added significant spin experience to counter Ireland’s attacking batsmen, supported by the accurate left-arm orthodox bowling of Wellington Masakadza.
Zimbabwe Predicted XI: Brian Bennett, Tadivanashe Marumani(w), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani.
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